The Togolese National Employment Agency (ANPE) recently organized a training session on soft skills for students in Kara, Togo. The session aimed to strengthen the behavioral and relational skills of students who applied for the second edition of the "Active Vacations in Companies" project. This project seeks to facilitate the students' adaptation to the demands of the professional world. The training covered topics such as citizenship, time management, teamwork, stress management, professional communication, and personal branding.
The training session was held simultaneously in all regions of Togo and followed the closure of the student internship placement process on October 9. A total of 2,968 students were registered nationwide for the second edition of the project, with 2,170 internship offers from 352 partner companies. However, 808 internship offers remained unfilled due to a mismatch between the profiles sought by companies and those of the applicants, as well as geographical disparities between internship locations and students' residences.
According to Léonard Agbobli, head of the ANPE Maritime office, the "Active Vacations in Companies" project, initiated by the Togolese government in 2025, provides students with a month-long internship opportunity in companies aligned with their university fields of study. This experience enables students to discover the realities of the working world, gain their first professional experience, and develop the necessary skills for future employment.
Agbobli emphasized that the project does not aim for immediate job placement but rather a gradual preparation of students for active life. He stressed that the internship experience allows students to acquire the necessary aptitudes for their future integration into the job market. The training session also covered essential topics such as citizenship and civism, which are crucial for a successful professional career.
Padabo Kèlème, the first deputy mayor of Kozah 1 commune, encouraged participants to demonstrate assiduity, discipline, curiosity, and commitment during the training. He urged them to develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork spirit, and respect for hierarchy, which are indispensable qualities for good integration into the professional environment.
A total of 1,362 students were placed in internship positions, with 352 companies participating in the project. The ANPE reported that the project has been successful in providing students with valuable work experience and skills. The agency hopes that this initiative will continue to benefit students and help them transition smoothly into the workforce.
The "Active Vacations in Companies" project is an important initiative that aims to bridge the gap between the skills acquired by students during their studies and the demands of the professional world. By providing students with soft skills training and internship opportunities, the ANPE is helping to equip them with the tools necessary for success in their future careers.
Key points
- The Togolese National Employment Agency trains students in soft skills to enhance their job prospects and adaptability in the professional world.
- A total of 2,968 students were registered for the second edition of the "Active Vacations in Companies" project, with 1,362 students placed in internship positions.
- The project aims to provide students with a gradual preparation for active life and equip them with the necessary skills for future employment.
